Woman serves First Lady, war veterans and 10,000 High Desert pets

She has served First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as aide-de-camp, injured soldiers in World War II and the Korean War as a registered nurse and well over 10,000 animals throughout the High Desert.

As her 96th birthday nears, Dollar still single-handedly makes daily phone calls to residents who seek help for spaying or neutering pets or feral animals. She oversees all operations at the nonprofit organization she started 26 years ago, Pet Partners Bargain Boutique.

"She's sharp as a tack and she handles everything," said Tishia Cooper, a volunteer at Pet Partners. "She's our major hub — she's the one that keeps us going."

To Dollar, getting older hardly means slowing down: "When I was 70, I was a whirlwind in this community."

Dollar has served in the Women's Division of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce, on the boards of directors of the Victor Valley Community Concert Association and the Victor Valley Animal Protective League, and planned public relations for the AV Pilot Club.

Though she can no longer drive, Dollar finds a ride and personally leads Pet Partners' monthly meetings.

Dollar sits behind a desk reviewing last meeting's blue handwritten minutes — the nonprofit gets by without computers — looking polished with small gold-hoop earrings and a small American flag pinned to her blouse.

A roomful of women may chat excitedly, but when Dollar calls the meeting to order, everyone listens.

"You know the saying, 'You'll die with your boots on?'" said Anne Harding, who has handled the finances at Pet Partners alongside Dollar for 22 years. "She'll never retire."

Natasha Lindstrom may be reached at 951-6232 or nlindstrom@VVDailyPress.com.

By the numbers• 6 million to 8 million — Cats and dogs entering U.S. shelters each year.• 3 million to 4 million — Cats and dogs adopted from U.S. shelters each year.• 3 million to 4 million — Cats and dogs euthanized by U.S. shelters each year.• 4 to 6 — Usual range of kittens in a feline litter.• 6 to 10 — Usual range of puppies in a canine litter.

Source: The Humane Society of the United States and National Council on Pet Population, Study and Policy